THE company secretary at ICC Belfast is about to head to Costa Rica with a cohort of other high performers to play their role in the continued evolution of the convention centre management industry.
Ciara Davidson (nee McKeeman), originally from Letterkenny in Co Donegal, has been named by the AIPC (the International Association of Convention Centres) among nine 'Future Shapers' accepted into an eight-month accelerated leadership course.
Ciara will participate in a series of master classes, business case development and will have the opportunity to promote her solutions to challenges currently faced by convention centre managers on a global stage at the 2024 AIPC Conference in Costa Rica next July.
AIPC chief executive Sven Bossu said: “This year we have another unique mix of talent - from operational managers to sales directors to employee engagement and governance experts - all eager to learn from the high intensity program and play their part of building a better future.
“AIPC Future Shapers is an interactive roadmap towards excellence in convention centre management, requiring the commitment and continued engagement of the participants and in return candidates will forge global industry and business connections, enhanced skills and professional development.”
Ciara works as part of the executive leadership team at ICC Belfast to strategically develop the organisation in partnership with the chief executive and board of directors, providing effective management of the team and venue to deliver world-class business events for the city and Northern Ireland.
She said: “I’m delighted to be one of the 2024 AIPC Future Shapers, representing the UK and Ireland on a global stage.
“My grandmother Maureen McKeeman was the principal and sole teacher in a small school in Donegal and instilled in me the importance of education and continuous learning.
“Even now in my professional years, I welcome the opportunity to learn, develop and strategically change grassroots recruitment and succession planning in the industry through knowledge transfer with peers from across the globe.
“It is my aim to leave a lasting legacy for the development of teams in convention centres, galvanising the future for the leaders of tomorrow.”
She added: “I have ambitions to not only continue to grow as a senior leader but to strengthen our industry by addressing the skills gap and necessary succession planning.
“I have a deep appreciation for the business events industry and know that by working together in the AIPC Future Shapers programme, we can shape the future of venues. When we win, everyone wins today, tomorrow and beyond.”
Others on the 2024 Future Shapers list come from Australia, France, Oman, Malaysia, The Netherlands and Hungary.
